Arequipa Travel Guide
The White City
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Beneath clear blue skies, watched over by three classic volcanoes, Peru’s second largest city is built almost entirely out of white volcanic sillar stone. An UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the White City is a beautiful colonial town containing ornate plazas, beautiful architecture and the remarkable Santa Catalina Convent – a city within the city which after four centuries of isolation opened its doors to the public just thirty years ago.
Arequipa enjoys a good climate and rests in the fertile valleys of the Rio Chili. El Misti, the highest of Arequipa’s volcano guardians, stands boldly at 5,820 metres and can be seen, with its while poncho of snow, from wherever you are in city.
It is the volcanic stone from the region which has given Arequipa its distinctive architecture and it is worth visiting the fine colonial buildings such as the Cathedral or homes such the Casa del Moral and the Casa Goyeneche, which have Baroque-style carvings in their doorways.
One of the city's most remarkable attractions is the Lady of Ampato or ‘Juanita’. This is the mummy of an Inca adolescent who is believed to have been offered as a sacrifice to the gods and which today can be seen at the Andean Sanctuaries Museum of the Santa Maria Catholic University.
Today, the city of Arequipa is the most important commercial centre in southern Peru, and is famous for its fine quality textiles woven from alpaca and vicuña wool and excellent cuisine.
Attractions in Arequipa
It is easy to spend a good deal of time in and around Arequipa as there is no shortage of things to do and see. The main attractions are listed below, but it is also worth visiting the surrounding countryside, villages, the picturesque stone mill at Sabandia and the Yura hot springs.
Activities in Arequipa
The Arequipa region is second to Cusco for activities and there are plenty of excellent opportunities for trekking, white water rafting, wildlife watching or shopping.
The Colca and Cotahuasi Canyons are important locations for this, and it is possible to climb El Misti and Chachani volcanoes.
Relaxing
Join the locals for a stroll through the gardens of the main Plaza at dusk. Find room on a bench and watch the light change upon the snows of El Misti.
Getting Around
The centre of Arequipa is fairly compact, so it is possible to explore most of the places of interest on foot. To go further afield requires transport which can be arranged by your chosen Local Travel Expert.
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